ENTEBBE | The remains of the Rev Fr Damien Grimes, one of the country's most celebrated educators, arrived at Entebbe International Airport on the afternoon of September 16.
The Kenya Airways flight KQ 412, carrying his body touched down at Entebbe arport 12:30pm, following a three-hour delay.
The body was escorted back to Uganda by, among others, Ms Maureen Mwagale, a councillor in UK's Tilgate, Crawley Town.
Ms Mwagale, an old student, was by Fr Grimes' side at his final moments back on September 4 when he passed on from an elderly home in Liverpool, UK, at the age of 93.
Fr Grimes, a long-serving educator and former headmaster at Namasagali College, was met by a small but emotional group of former students and well-wishers, including renowned businessman Patrick Bitature.
His legacy as a transformative leader in education was apparent, with those gathered at the airport deeply moved by his return to the country he served for decades.
Ambassador Moses Kizige, one of the coordinators of the funeral proceedings, announced that Father Grimes' body would be taken to the National Theater in Kampala.
The theater will host a special tribute from Uganda's creative community, honoring his contribution to the arts and education.
Henry Rugamba, a former student of Namasagali College and a member of the organizing committee, confirmed that a second memorial event will take place at Protea Hotel in Kololo.
This gathering, organised by Mr Bitature, will offer an opportunity for Fr Grimes' former students to share their cherished memories of him and their time at Namasagali.
The evening is expected to be filled with stories of fond remembrance and is anticipated to last late into the night.
Father Damien Grimes leaves behind a legacy of educational excellence, having shaped the lives of countless students during his tenure at Namasagali College.
His passion for holistic education, which incorporated both academic and creative disciplines, remains influential in Uganda's education system to this day.